ThinkChina Analysis: Xi Jinping - Emperor in real new clothes

Before the re-election of Xi Jinping as Chinese President at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) in March, the National People’s Congress passed a revision of the Chinese Constitution that removed the time limit on the Presidency. This revision enables Xi Jinping to stay on as lifetime President. Effectively, the change makes him a new paramount leader on a par with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. It has therefore been discussed whether Xi has effectively become a new emperor? More importantly, will Xi Jinping gain or lose political capital from making this move and where will he take China in the future? Read the latest analysis by Professor Jørgen Delman, China studies, UCPH.